Civil Rights leader and Movement intellectualist James Baldwin once commented, “Those who say, ‘It can’t be done’, are usually interrupted by others doing it.” Embracing that belief, Alvord educators in Riverside County took the blueprint produced by Riverside County African American Achievement Initiative as a call to action to improve the school experience for Black students across the Alvord Unified School District. Bolstered by partnerships with Alvord Educators Association (AEA), Alvord Unified School District (AUSD) management, and parents and community partners, they began a data-driven analysis that has led to the implementation of a successful service program.  

Beginnings 

The organization started two years ago with two educators, Errol Garnett and DaLeatrice Hall, with support from AUSD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Resme Byrne. They envisioned a place where all Black students within Alvord Unified School District were empowered with the freedom to be creative, and to have the support from someone that looks just like them. Organizers chose the group name, Greatness Within as a message to their students that regardless of what the world says there is “Greatness Within” them–and this group exists to build that up in them. Creators credit the findings of Riverside County Office of Education’s (RCOE’s) comprehensive study and Blueprint for Action for African American/Black (AA/B) students. The study provided the necessary data underscoring the need for a program. Garnett explained, “Once the results were shared with representatives from the high school and disparities surfaced, we knew we had to do something to take care of our kids.”   

Areas of Focus 

The RCOE analysis and Blueprint identified three Areas of Focus-Student Engagement, High-Quality Instruction, and Parent Involvement. Data showed that Black students’ lack of connection to the relevance of curriculum led to disproportionate discipline, overrepresentation in Special Education, and lowered expectations of student success. Improving the relevance and quality of instruction was part of a strategy to raise overall student expectations. The group also built structures that enabled parents to engage with their students and the school system more effectively.  

Organizers moved fast. With $65.000 in Local Control Accountability Program funds, the first student program in Alvord came just six months after Black Student Union advisors received the county’s Blueprint. The team now includes members, including site contacts and administrative liaisons. 

Student Programs 

Making sure each program addresses student and parent needs as identified in the Blueprint is critical to maximize their impact. This year’s Greatness Within calendar reflects that goal and includes elementary school events to build early connections between parents and the Alvord education community. Leaders add program events to the calendar with intentionality so that the interface begins before the school year, continues throughout, and concludes with graduation celebrations. It ensures authentic and relevant connections for black students are year-long and ongoing. Current programs include: 

• Backpack Parent Giveaway 
• Sounds of Blackness Black History Month Celebration  
• AA/B Mentoring Program at all the high schools and middle schools two times per month 
• Field Trip to the Riverside County Cultural Museum - a TK-12 Event 
• Junior College Tour in partnership with AVID Junior College Overnight Trip  
• Black Graduation at the end of the year for our transition years 5th, 8th, and 12th graders 
• Juniors and Seniors to Black College Expo 
• After school and lunchtime bonding/learning activities, with speakers who share professional job experiences at the high school and middle school levels with our A/A B students 

Union Values Embedded 

Like the local AEA union, Greatness Within is a teacher-driven organization. The AEA’s office is their regular meeting place, and Mr. Garnett is a California Teachers Association (CTA) State Council Representative and a past National Education Association Representative Assembly member. AEA President Mike Kolonics and local CTA staff Dan Bartlett serve as informal consultants supporting the program. As educators with experience working within union structures, Greatness Within leaders recognized that designing an independent, teacher-led group was imperative to ensure long-term community impact. Greatness Within is not affiliated with any district department or administrator by design. Instead, the group counts on their authentic relationship with parents and students to meet the needs identified in the county’s Blueprint. Leaders have successfully brought a spotlight on students whose parents often have two jobs, or who log hundreds of freeway miles each week to provide for their families. These parents are comforted knowing there are resolute educators looking after their children like they would their own. Co-founder DaLeatrice Hall points to that authenticity as a critical program component;

“…to have AEA, Black educators, teachers, Black staff, and other Black members of Alvord, together, celebrating and encouraging Black students influence community. Greatness Within allows Black students to find excellence inside self, which then expands eminence to others similar to AEA.” 

Future of the Program 

With ongoing funding, leaders describe Greatness Within as a fluid project overall and expect to add and change program offerings over time. They plan continued growth that fosters a change in how the district currently services marginalized students. Public education works best when focused on teachers, students, and the classroom experience. Educators working within the system using data to identify needs ensure district-based programs are student-centered and meet current student needs.